It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone. 2017 was an exciting year both professionally and personally for me. Professionally, we have continued to expand the number of clients we are able to serve while increasing our support staff to make sure that you are well taken care of. In July, Kellie and I were excited to welcome our son Cole into the family. My son Reid made the following comment on an ice cream run to Dollar General recently, “Dad, it feels like Cole has just always been with us.”. Made a dad’s heart swell with thankfulness to hear such words.
We experienced a genuinely great year for equities- with very low volatility. I can’t imagine another year of such low volatility in 2018. For the S&P 500, the deepest intra-year price decline was a mere 3% (versus the average, since 1980, of 14%). While economic and market uncertainties will remain in 2018, I look forward to partnering with you to help you pursue your financial goals. The most successful investors I’ve known are acting continuously on a plan –tuning out the fads and fears of the moment- while the failed investors I’ve encountered were continually reacting to economic and market “news.” Current events in the economy and the markets are in a sense distractions. For this reason, I remain steadfast in my commitment to our overall plan. This I’m convinced gives us the best opportunity for long term success.
My hope is that 2017 was a great year for you as well. As our thoughts turn toward 2018 and the opportunities that await, let me express my sincere appreciation for your business and for the trust you placed in me during 2017. It’s an honor to serve your best interests, and I look forward to doing so for many years to come.
From my family to yours, we wish you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2018.